Vehicle trim element with rotating element

Abstract

Trim element for vehicle with rotating element The trim element (10) comprises: - a support (12), - a rotating element (14) rotatable relative to the support (12) comprising: - a main body (24), - a movable element (26) slidably mounted relative to the main body (24) between a deployed position and a retracted position. The trim element (10) comprises a locking mechanism (16) comprising a blocking element (42) rotatably mounted relative to the main body (24) between an unlocked position when the movable element (26) is in the retracted position, in which the blocking element (42) allows the movement of the rotating element (14) and a locked position when the movable element (26) is in the deployed position, in which the blocking element (42) prevents the movement of the rotating element (14). Figure for abstract: 4

Description

Title of the invention: Vehicle trim element with rotating element

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle trim element, comprising:

[0002] - a support;

[0003] - a rotary element, the rotary element being rotatable relative to the support between a first position and a second position, the rotary element comprising:

[0004] - a main body; and

[0005] - a movable element mounted to slide relative to the main body between a deployed position, in which the movable element extends primarily outside the main body, and a retracted position, in which the movable element extends primarily inside the main body.

[0006] The invention applies for example to a vehicle seat or a central console comprising a rotating element, forming for example a support element such as an armrest.

[0007] It is known to have a trim element comprising an armrest rotatably mounted relative to a support, for example a seat or a seat back to which the armrest is adjacent or a central console arranged between two seats. The armrest is then movable between a first position, or raised position, in which the armrest extends perpendicular to the seat and a second position, or lowered position, in which the armrest extends parallel to the seat.

[0008] Furthermore, it is known that such an armrest comprises a movable element, for example a drawer, defining a storage volume. The drawer is for example sliding between a deployed position, in which the storage volume is accessible, and a retracted position, in which the storage volume is closed.

[0009] However, such a trim element is not entirely satisfactory. Indeed, it is possible to move the armrest to its second position, in other words to put it vertically, when the drawer is in the deployed position. From then on, the contents of the storage volume are likely to fall out of the drawer. In addition, this risks damaging the drawer and / or the armrest fixing system.

[0010] The aim of the invention is then to propose a vehicle trim element making it possible to avoid the above drawbacks.

[0011] To this end, the invention relates to a vehicle trim element, in which the trim element further comprises a locking mechanism comprising a blocking element, the blocking element being rotatably mounted by relative to the main body between an unlocked position when the movable element is in the retracted position, in which the locking element allows movement of the rotating element between the first and second positions, and a locked position when the movable element is in the extended position, in which the locking element prevents movement of the rotating element between the first and second positions.

[0012] The locking mechanism prevents the rotating element from moving between the first position and the second position when the movable element is in the deployed position.

[0013] For example, if the movable element is a drawer defining a storage volume, then the locking mechanism allows the rotating element to move only when the storage volume is closed, thus preventing the contents of the storage volume from falling out of the drawer.

[0014] The packing element according to the invention may further comprise one or more of the following characteristics, considered alone or in any technically conceivable combination:

[0015] - the main body extends between a first end, articulated to the support, and a second free end, the movable element extending projecting and mainly outside the main body from the second end when the movable element is in the deployed position, the locking element being hinged at the first end;

[0016] - the locking element is forced towards the locking position;

[0017] - the support comprises a notch, the locking element comprising a pin, the pin fitting into the notch of the support when the locking element is in the locking position so as to block the movement of the main body relative to the support;

[0018] - the movable element comprises a slider, the main body comprising a guide slide, the slide being movable in translation in or on the guide slide between the retracted position and the deployed position;

[0019] - the locking mechanism comprises a locking finger fixed to the element movable, said locking finger pushing a first end of the locking element when the movable element is in the retracted position, to cause the locking element to rotate from the locking position to the unlocking position, the locking finger being moved away from the locking element when the movable element is in the deployed position;

[0020] - the locking finger is fixed to the slider;

[0021] - the pin is arranged at a second end of the blocking element, the second end and the first end extending on either side of the axis of rotation of the locking element;

[0022] - the rotating element is an armrest; and

[0023] - the mobile element comprises a drawer defining a storage volume, the storage volume being closed in the retracted position and being accessible in the deployed position.

[0024] The invention will appear more clearly on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the drawings in which:

[0025] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a schematic representation of a packing element according to the invention, comprising a rotatable element in a first position and a movable element in a retracted position;

[0026] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic representation of the packing element of [Fig.l], the rotatable element being in a second position and the movable element being in the retracted position;

[0027] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic representation of the packing element of [Fig.l], the rotating element being in its second position and the movable element being in the deployed position;

[0028] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a schematic sectional representation of the packing element of [Fig.l], the movable element being in the retracted position;

[0029] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a schematic sectional representation of a locking mechanism for the trim element of [Fig.l], the movable element being in the retracted position; and

[0030] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a schematic sectional representation of the locking mechanism of the trim element of [Fig.l], the movable element being in the deployed position.

[0031] With reference to Figures 1 to 3, a vehicle trim element 10 is described comprising a support 12 and a rotary element 14 movable in rotation relative to the support 12.

[0032] Such a trim element 10 forms, for example, an armrest intended for a passenger of a vehicle seat 15. It is however understood that the invention applies to any type of vehicle trim element capable of receiving a deployable mobile element, as will be described later.

[0033] The trim element further comprises a mechanism 16 for blocking the rotation of the rotary element 14.

[0034] The seat 15 comprises a seat 20 and a backrest 21.

[0035] In the example of [Fig.l] to 3, the support 12 is fixed to the backrest 21 of the seat 15 adjacent to the rotating element 14. The support 12 comprises a connecting branch 22 ensuring the connection between the rotating element 14 and the seat backrest 21. The rotating element 14 is articulated to the connecting branch 22.

[0036] As a variant, the support 12 is fixed to the seat 20 of the seat 15 or to a central console, in particular a central console arranged between two seats 15 of the vehicle, one of the two seats 15 being adjacent to the rotating element 14. According to another variant, the support 12 is fixed to a vehicle door panel or other.

[0037] The remainder of the description will be made with reference to a rotary element 14 forming a support element, such as an armrest 18 movable in rotation relative to the backrest 21 of the adjacent seat 15.

[0038] The rotating element 14 defines a support surface 27 on which the user places, for example, his arm in the case of the armrest 18.

[0039] The rotary element 14 is rotatable relative to the support 12 between a first position and a second position.

[0040] With reference to [Fig. 1], the first position, also called the “raised position” corresponds, for example, to a position in which the support surface 27 is inaccessible to a user. In other words, in the first position, the rotating element 14 or the armrest 18 in the case of [Fig. 1], extends parallel to the backrest 21 of the seat 15 and perpendicular to the seat 20 of the seat 15. Such a position makes it possible, for example, to free up access to a storage volume located under the armrest 18, for example a storage volume of a central console or the like.

[0041] With reference to Figures 2 and 3, the second position, also called the “lowered position” corresponds for example to a position in which the support surface 27 is accessible to a user. In other words, in the second position, the rotating element 14 or the armrest 18 in the case of Figures 2 and 3, extends perpendicular to the backrest 21 of the seat 15 and parallel to the seat 20 of the seat 15.

[0042] The rotary element 14 comprises a main body 24 and a movable element 26 slidably mounted relative to the main body 24.

[0043] The main body 24 extends between a first end 28 and a second end 30. The first end 28 is hinged to the support 12, for example via the connecting branch 22. The second end 30 is free. The direction from the first end 28 to the second end 30 is designated the longitudinal direction.

[0044] The bearing surface 27 is for example defined by an upper face of the main body 24 extending between the first end 28 and the second end 30.

[0045] The main body 24 is for example formed by a hollow body intended to receive at least in part the movable element 26.

[0046] In the example of [Fig. 4], the main body 24 comprises a guide slide 32 preferably extending between the first end 28 and the second end 30, intended to receive the movable element 26 and to allow the movement of the movable element 26 relative to the main body 24.

[0047] The movable element 26 is slidably mounted relative to the main body 24 between a deployed position, in which the movable element 26 extends mainly outside the main body 24, and a retracted position, in which the movable element 26 extends mainly inside the main body 24. By "mainly outside", it is meant that a larger portion of the movable element 26 in the longitudinal direction extends outside the main body 24 in the vehicle passenger compartment than a portion extending inside the main body 24. By "mainly inside", it is meant that a larger portion of the movable element 26 in the longitudinal direction extends inside the main body 24 than the portion extending outside the main body 24.

[0048] In the example of [Fig.2], when the movable element 26 is in the retracted position, the movable element 26 extends entirely inside the main body 24 between the first end 28 and the second end 30.

[0049] In the example of [Fig. 3], when the mobile element 26 is in the deployed position, the mobile element 26 extends projecting from the main body 24 from the second end 30. Thus at least one part 34 of the mobile element 26 is accessible by an occupant of the vehicle.

[0050] In [Fig. 4], the movable element 26 comprises a drawer 36 defining a storage volume 38. When the movable element 26 is in the retracted position, the storage volume 38 is closed by the main body 24 and is inaccessible to the user. When the movable element 26 is in the deployed position, at least a portion of the storage volume 38 is accessible to the user to add or remove objects from the drawer 36.

[0051] Alternatively, the movable element 26 comprises, for example, a cup holder, a telephone holder, an electronic device charging system or a display system, such as a screen, or the like.

[0052] In the example of [Fig. 4], the movable element 26 further comprises a slider 40 movable in translation in or on the guide slide 32 between the retracted position and the deployed position. The slider 40 is for example fixed to an edge of the movable element 26, preferably to the edge closest to the first end 28 of the main body 24 when the movable element 26 is in the retracted position.

[0053] When the movable element 26 is in the retracted position, the slider 40 is located at one end of the guide slide 32 close to the first end 28 of the main body 24.

[0054] When the movable element 26 is in the deployed position, the slider 40 is located away from the first end 28 of the main body 24.

[0055] The movement of the movable element 26 between the retracted position and the deployed position can be motorized and / or manual.

[0056] The locking mechanism 16 is configured to prevent rotation of the rotatable element 14 from the first position to the second position, when the movable element 26 is in the deployed position.

[0057] In other words, the locking mechanism 16 is configured to prevent rotation of the rotatable member 14 when the movable member 26 extends primarily outside the main body 24, as shown in [Fig. 3] in order to prevent the contents of the movable member 26 from being able to separate therefrom and / or to prevent damage to the portion of the movable member 26 extending outside the main body 24 when the rotatable member 14 is moved between the first and second positions.

[0058] With reference to [Fig.4], the locking mechanism 16 comprises a locking element 42 and a locking finger 44.

[0059] The locking element 42 is rotatably mounted relative to the main body 24 about an axis of rotation between an unlocking position and a locking position.

[0060] The axis of rotation of the locking element 42 is for example perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0061] Preferably, the locking element 42 is articulated to the first end 28 of the main body 24. According to one embodiment, the locking element 42 is for example articulated to the movable part of a metal hinge allowing the rotary element 14 to be moved in rotation. The movable part of the hinge is integral with the main body 24.

[0062] When the movable element 26 is in the retracted position, the locking element 42 is in the unlocked position and allows the rotary element 14 to move between the first and second positions.

[0063] When the movable element 26 is in the deployed position, the locking element 42 is in the locking position and prevents the movement of the rotary element 14 between the first and second positions.

[0064] In the example of Figures 5 and 6, the locking element 42 extends between a first end 46 and a second end 48, the first end 46 and the second end 48 extending on either side of the axis of rotation of the locking element 42.

[0065] The locking element 42 is biased toward the locking position by a biasing element. For example, the locking mechanism 16 includes a spring biasing the locking element 42 toward the locking position.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the blocking element 42 comprises a pin 50.

[0067] Preferably, the locking element 42 and the pin 50 are made of materials.

[0068] In the example of figures 5 and 6, the pin 50 extends in projection from the second end 48 of the locking element 42. The pin 50 preferably extends perpendicularly loosely to the axis connecting the first end 46 and the second end 48 of the locking element 42.

[0069] The pin 50 is configured to be housed in a notch 52 formed in the support 12 so as to block the movement of the main body 24 relative to the support 12 in the locking position.

[0070] Preferably, the notch 52 is provided in the connection branch 22 of the support 12.

[0071] With reference to [Fig. 5], when the locking element 42 is in the unlocked position, the pin 50 is located away from the notch 52 so as to allow the movement of the main body 24 relative to the support 12.

[0072] With reference to [Fig. 6], when the locking element 42 is in the locking position, the pin 50 is housed in the notch 52 so as to block the movement of the main body 24 relative to the support 12. In other words, the locking element 42 being integral with the main body 24, when the pin 50 is housed in the notch 52, the rotation relative to the support 12 of the locking element 42 and consequently of the rotary element 14 is blocked, the pin 50 not being able to leave the notch 52 and therefore move in rotation.

[0073] The locking finger 44 is for example fixed to the movable element 26.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the locking finger 44 is fixed to the slider 40. The locking finger 44 then extends projecting from the main body 24, when the movable element 26 is in the retracted position. For example, the main body 24 defines an opening 54 through which the locking finger 44 extends, when the movable element 26 is in the retracted position.

[0075] In the example of Figures 5 and 6, the locking finger 44 has a U shape, each branch of the U being fixed to the slider 40.

[0076] Preferably, the slider 40 and the locking finger 44 are made in one piece.

[0077] As shown in [Fig. 5], when the movable element 26 is in the retracted position, the locking finger 44 pushes the first end 46 of the locking element 42 to cause the locking element 42 to rotate from the locking position to the unlocking position. The locking finger 44 pushes the first end 46 of the locking element 42 towards the support 12, thus by rotation the second end 48 of the locking element 42 moves away from the support 12, thus the pin 50 comes out of the notch 52 and allows the rotation of the rotary element 14.

[0078] As shown in [Fig.6], when the movable element 26 is in the deployed position, the locking finger 44 is located inside the main body 24, the locking element 42 is then forced towards the locking position by the biasing element.

[0079] Thanks to the locking mechanism 16, it is impossible to move the element rotary 14 to its first position, that is to say its raised position when the movable element 26 is in the deployed position.

[0080] In the case of the armrest 18 comprising the drawer 36, such a mechanism makes it possible, for example, to prevent the contents of the storage volume 38 from falling when the user raises the armrest 18 without having closed the drawer 36.

Claims

Claims

1. A trim element (10) for a vehicle, comprising: - a support (12), - a rotating element (14), the rotating element (14) being rotatable relative to the support (12) between a first position and a second position, the rotating element comprising: - a main body (24), and - a movable element (26) slidably mounted relative to the main body (24) between a deployed position, in which the movable element (26) extends mainly outside the main body (24), and a retracted position, in which the movable element (26) extends mainly inside the main body (24);characterized in that the trim element (10) further comprises a locking mechanism (16) comprising a locking element (42), the locking element (42) being rotatably mounted relative to the main body (24) between an unlocked position when the movable element (26) is in the retracted position, in which the locking element (42) allows movement of the rotatable element (14) between the first and second positions, and a locked position when the movable element (26) is in the deployed position, in which the locking element (42) prevents movement of the rotatable element (14) between the first and second positions.;

2. A packing element (10) according to claim 1, wherein the main body (24) extends between a first end (28), hinged to the support (12), and a second free end (30), the movable element (26) extending projecting and mainly outside the main body (24) from the second end (30) when the movable element (26) is in the deployed position, the locking element (42) being hinged to the first end (28).

3. A packing element (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the locking element (42) is biased towards the locking position.

4. A trim element (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the support (12) comprises a notch (52), the locking element (42) comprising a pin (50), the pin (50) being housed in the notch (52) of the support (12) when the locking element (42) is in the locking position so as to block the movement of the main body (24) relative to the support (12).

5. A trim element (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the movable element (26) comprises a slider (40), the main body (24) comprising a guide slide (32), the slider (40) being movable in translation in or on the guide slide (32) between the retracted position and the deployed position.

6. A trim element (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the locking mechanism (16) comprises a locking finger (44) attached to the movable element (26), said locking finger (44) urging a first end (46) of the locking element (42) when the movable element (26) is in the retracted position, to cause rotation of the locking element (42) from the locking position to the unlocking position, the locking finger (44) being spaced from the locking element (42) when the movable element (26) is in the deployed position.

7. A packing element (10) according to claims 5 and 6, wherein the locking finger (44) is fixed to the slider (40).

8. A packing element (10) according to claim 6 or 7, taken in combination with claim 4, wherein the pin (50) is disposed at a second end (48) of the locking element (42), the second end (48) and the first end (46) extending on either side of the axis of rotation of the locking element (42).

9. A trim element (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the rotatable element (14) is an armrest (18).

10. A trim element (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the movable element (26) comprises a drawer (36) defining a storage volume (38), the storage volume (38) being closed in the retracted position and being accessible in the deployed position.

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